I hope that everyone enjoyed our Sixties Sorta Summer. I also hope that everyone had a sensational summer themselves. As we enter Fall, we also come up on a year that virtuouslyvintagevixen.com has been online. I will no longer be publishing/posting from this site.
However, I am working on a new website and monthly magazine...SO STAY TUNED!!!!
You can still access past articles and keep up with updates on the upcoming site on
virtuouslyvintagevixen.blogspot.com.
I thank you all for your readership and can't wait for the new site so we can continue the vintage fun!
Jeffery Willis (Matt Dillon) has been slated to work at Mr. Henderson's engineering office for the Summer. But, his plans soon change during that hot, lazy 4th of July weekend when he takes a "swing-out to Rockaway" with his buddies Steve (Brian McNamara) and Hawk (Fisher Stevens). They invite Jeffery to be their 3rd in a hot gin game at The El Flamingo Beach Club.When he gets a glimpse of resort life, and the lovely Carla Samson (Janet Jones), being an office clerk is furthest from his mind; Especially when he gets hired as a valet attendant.
Jeffery's work ethic (and gin game) catches the interest of Carla's uncle/Porche salesman Phil Brody (Richard Crenna)-whose influence,even gets Jeffery promoted to cabana boy. In turn, Jeffery becomes enthralled with Mr. Brody's flashy lifestyle and turns his back on his humble Brooklyn upbringing...and his plans to attend Columbia University. However, his change of plans don't go over too well with his father (Hector Elizondo); especially when he feels like he's losing his son to Mr. "Hotshot" Brody. But it doesn't take long for Jeffery to find out that Phil Brody is a cheat and a phony. With honesty and the help of some friends, Jeffery dethrones Phil "The King" Brody and reunites with his family during his most memorable Summer.
The Flamingo Kid is one my favorite:
1) Period Pieces
2) Summer Flicks
3) Garry Marshall Films- Then again I haven't seen one I didn't like (Pretty Woman, Princess Diaries,Valentine's Day).
This one was recommended to me by my mother years ago (who was shocked I hadn't seen it). She said that I always reminded her of Matt Dillon's character because I used to hum all the time as a kid...even at dinner. So, when I found this movie at Big Lots (one of my favorite movie collecting hot spots) I grabbed it and have enjoyed it ever since. It's one of my go-to movies during February and March when I get spring fever. I hope that you take a moment to enjoy the remainder of your Summer with another Sixties Sorta Summer classic.
SHAG follows the fun and fancy free frolic of four girlfriends during the summer of 1963.
Luanne (Paige Hannah), "Pudge" (Annabeth Gish), and Melaina (Brigette Fonda) whisk their friend Carson (Phoebe Cates) off to Myrtle Beach for one last irresponsible-girls-only fling before she gets married to safe (and boring) Harley (Tyrone Power Jr.). When they hit the beach, they enter into a world of boys and plenty of shag dancin'.They meet Chip (Scott Coffey) and Buzz (Robert Rusler) who join the girls in their Summer adventure of beauty contests, wild parties, and...romance. Melaina chases singing star Jimmy Valentine, Pudge and Chip shag the night away, and Buzz and Carson can't leave each other alone. Things get even more twisted when Harley shows up looking for his fiance (and falls for Luanne) along with Luanne's parents...who think they're in Ft.Sumter on a historical tour! These memories of mischief will make for a summer that these four friends won't forget.
Although not considered a "classic" by many, SHAG is a summer movie staple of mine. This film,along with Dirty Dancing(1987) and Mermaids(1990),was one that I loved watching with my Mom. To me, it's a perfect "Girl's Night In" flick full of good times and Summer romance. One unique aspect of this film (that is often overlooked in 60's pop culture/reproduction films) is the showcasing of the "Carolina Beach" music/dance aka "Shag/Shagging";which is still popular today! SHAG also features classic '60's tunes such as "The Harlem Shuffle", "Monkey Time", and "What Kind Of Fool Do You Think I Am". I hope that you take the time to kick back and (cinematically) hit the beach with the girls with SHAG.
Roll Film,
Neah B
Awkward and shy, he fails at his first attempt to befriend a team of friends who play endless innings of baseball at an abandoned sandlot. His lack of social graces and baseball skills renders him friendless until Benny "The Jet" Rodriguez (Mike Vital) shows up. Benny (the leader of the local sandlot gang) looking for a ninth man for the team, takes Smalls under his wing and teaches him the essentials of the game.The rest of the guys (Timmy,Tommy, "Yeah Yeah", Ham, Bertram, DeNunez, and "Squints") however, think Smalls is a complete square and hopeless baseball player. But with Benny's guidance, Smalls is able to prove himself worthy of the team and their respect.
As the summer heats up, Smalls finds himself among friends and many zany escapades; getting kicked out of the town pool, playing ball under 4th of July fireworks, and finding out that chewing tobacco and The Tilt-OWhirl don't mix! With endless fun and unlimited baseball, everything seems to be going thier way...until Smalls hits his first Home-Run. After Smalls hits it over the park, he decides to help the guys and keep the game going with his Step-Dad's (Denis Leary) baseball...that just happens to be autographed by the one and only Babe Ruth (No biggie, right?). But after that ball goes over the fence, Smalls discovers that he still has a lot to learn about "The Great Bambino", "The Beast", and "Mean" Ol' Mr. Mertle (James Earl Jones).
The Sandlot is one of my all-time favorite films. My parents took my sisters and I to see it at the dollar theatre when we were kid. After that, we watched the heck out of it on VHS! It was always fun to watch (and one the reasons I got into period films). It's one of those movies that is still near and dear to my heart and it's just not Summer without it! One of my favorite scenes has to be "the 4th of July " scene. They all gather for a night game under the stars and just pause as they are captivated by the fireworks. With Ray Charles' version of"America The Beautiful" playing in the background, it just creates such a beautifully memorable moment. It captures the effect that simple summer magic has on us all. I hope that if you haven't seen this movie, you will make a point to watch it this Summer. And if you have....PLAAAAYYY BAAAALLLL!!!!
In conjunction with our Retro Reels of the week,Dirty Dancing, I figured this special song of summer should be featured. Like the movie, "Wonderful Summer", tells the tale of an unforgettable summer romance."Wonderful Summer"(written by Perry Botkin and Gil Garfield) was recorded when Jackie "Robin" Ward was 21- years-old (already married and a mother). After a recording experiment with sped up vocals, her voice sounded like a teenage girl. Because of that, she agreed to change her name on the record to her daughter's name; Robin.This 1963 hit climed the Billborad charts to #14 and helped create summer memories.Unfortunately, this was her only major hit. Although she never topped radio success again, her voice never faded. She contined to work as a session/background singer for some of the most well-known themes songs in TV history such as Flipper, Batman,
Star Trek and The Partridge Family (as well as Partridge Family Album recordings!)
According to Wikipedia, it's been said that she's been featured in almost 800 films!
Whether forefront or background she will live in our hearts along with Wonderful Summer.
Love,
Neah B
Beach Blanket Bingo(1965) "New Love" sung by Jackie Ward
*Did You Know?...Elton John's "Crocodile Rock" (the famous "laaaa la la la la la) was inspired by Jackie's background vocals on Pat Boone's "Speedy Gonzales"!
It's summer of 1963. Frances "Baby" Houseman (Jennifer Grey) will soon be off to
college along with her dreams of joining the Peace Corps. It's also that unforgettable summer when Frances becomes more than just a baby...She, her older sister Lisa(Jane Brucker),and their parents are off to Kellerman's Mountain House Resort for some fun and relaxation. Amid the many activities (and lame dates with the owner's snotty,dorky grandson) Baby decides to make some fun of her own! While on her exploration for excitement, she stumbles upon the dance instructors/entertainment workers quarters. Her eyes are then opened to a world of dancing like she's never seen. She's particularly intrigued by lead instructor Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze) and his partner Penny (Cynthia Rhodes); They've not only got the moves but get down and dirty!
She soon gets the chance to be apart of their world when Penny can no longer dance
and is reluctantly asked to replace her as Johnny's partner. From clumsy to confident, Baby soon becomes comfortable on the dancefloor... as well as in Johnny's arms. As their romance ignites, so do her opportunities for Peace Corps training as she learns how underhanded and cruel the rich can be to the working class. Johnny's reputation and the integrity of others are threatened, but the lies are relinquished when Baby steps up for their defense. Even after the dancing queen saves the day, Baby must soon say goodbye to summer...and to Johnny. Despite it all, they celebrate
their love with one last dance.
This iconic 1987 romance classic has danced into the hearts of many over the years, winning an oscar and making a star out of Jennifer Grey (as if playing Ferris Bueller's sister wasn't enough!) as well as the late hunky, heartthrob, Patrick Swayze. It's an overall great film with a wonderfully interesting soundtrack combining timeless Pop and R&B tune of the 50's and 60's (such as "Cry To Me"- Solomon Burke and "Love is Strange"-Micky and Sylvia) as well as some hot 80's tracks including the classics "Hungry Eyes" and "The Time Of My Life". Aside from the "operation" scene, this film will always remain a classic due to the music, steamy love scences and sizzling dance moves! I hope you enjoy this film, as I always do, and have the time of your life this summer!
Love,
Neah B
Texas is not the only place where everything is big. Try Baltimore, Maryland 1962! BIG beats blasting through the airwaves, BIG hair, and BIG girls who change the world! Meet Tracy Turnblad;
the BIG, blonde, and beautiful sweetheart of Baltimore with dreams bigger than her hair. Hopes of dancing on the Corny Collins Show, dating dreamy Link, and racial equality are her focus. Although folks around try to deter her from reaching her goals, she shakes up the town and breaks the status quo when she earns the coveted spot on the show. Tracy soon becomes an overnight senastion and shows everyone that beauty is not limited to a size small. The hefty hometown heroine also wins the heart of Link while leading and winning the battle for integration on the Corny Collins Show.
This cult classic from, the- king-of-quirk, John Waters has just as big a following as Grease(1978) and even The Rocky Horror Picture Show(1975). Many prefer the original 1988 version to the more current 2007; and vice versa. I, however, enjoy both and can equally watch them over and over. So, I will be sharing with you why I feel both versions are a wonderful watch.
Hairspray (1988)
Ricki Lake's Debut! Also features an all-star cast with the likes of Debbie Harry, Sonny Bono, Jerry Stiller, Ruth Brown, Divine, and John Waters himself.
One of the best soundtracks ever! Up there with Cooley High(1974) and American Graffiti(1972), Hairspray feature some of the greatest Pop and R&B hits of the early1960's such as "Foot Stompin","I Wish I Were A Princess", and "Mama Didn't Lie".
I LOOOVEE the fact that they actually perfomed "Madison Time" and featured other dance classics like "The New Continental", "Gravy On My Mashed Potatoes" and "The Bird".
Overall, I just love the story and the wacky yet wonderful tribute to the early 1960's.
Hairspray (2007)
Another star-studded event featuring the extremely talented Nikki Blonsky, Queen Latifah, Amanda Bynes, John Travolta, Christopher Walken, Michelle Pheifer, Zac Efron, and of course John Waters. Ricki Lake even makes a cameo appearance as a talent scout.
Although there are no original songs from the 1960's, I enjoy Mark Shaiman's approach with brodway/60's influence. Being a musical lover, I love how some of the sayings from the 1988 version were made into songs in this update; "Big, Blonde, and Beautiful","Ms.Baltimore Crabs", "Mama Welcome To The Sixties" and "Ladies Choice".
Costume design was great was in the other one, but phenomenal in the remake.
I hope you check out both and find out what brand of hairspray holds you together the best.
See you next Friday with another flick in my Sixties Sorta Summer series.
In conjunction with this weeks Retro Reels on Hairspray, I figured that Dancing In The Steet would be more than appropriate for today's Sixties Songs Of Summer. This Motown staple and ultimate 60's dance classic was written by William "Micky" Stevenson and the great Marvin Gaye (who also played drums on this track!)
According to Wikipedia, Stevenson was inspired to write the song while watching people cool off in the hot Detroit Streets as they seemed to be dancing in the waters of the fire hydrants.The song was written with the intent of having Kim Weston sing it, but she wasn't interested. It was then, history was made as it was then passed onto Martha and theVandellas. It reached #2 on Billboard's Pop charts in 1964 and #4 in the UK in 1969!
However, with rising racial tension and riots/demonstrators, the song began to gain different kinds of attention. But it has always been remembered and will always be treasured as a Motown classic that got all walks of life on the dance floor. As long as there is Summer, the time is always right for dancing in the street!
Hello Guys and Gals and welcome back! Sorry for being away so long; getting many(great) changes underway for Virtuously Vintage Vixen (more details on the way). In the meantime, I am back and ready to bring you the best in classic culture!
Now that it's officially Summer, I thought we'd have some fun! Virtuously Vintage Vixen will be celebrating the Summer season with A Sixties Sorta Summer. Every Friday through August, I will be giving you Retro Reels of films set in the 1960's, but weren't actually made in 60's. So get ready for spotlights on Hairspray, Dirty Dancing, The Sandlot and many more! I will also be posting Sixties Songs of Summer each Friday.So let's enjoy this blazin' summer with vintage movie and music madness!
Jim Rodgers (Wendell Corey), a Texas rancher and United Nations representative, has been invited by the state department to speak in Paris. Accompanying him will be his daughter Liz(Jane Powell) and housekeeper Glynnie(Una Merkel). Although Liz will be leaving her beau Bob behind, she couldn't be more thrilled about her Parisian getaway; her father couldn't be more hesitant!
It just so happens that Paris is where Liz's mother,and famous French songstress, Marie Devaronne(Danielle Darrieux) lives. Jim and Marie met in 1927 when he was a young rancher and she, a showgirl. Instantly,they fell in love and were married. However, Marie couldn't handle being a rancher's wife and became homesick. Shortly after Liz was born, she departed from her family and moved to Paris. In order to protect his daughter's heart, he told her that her mother had passed away. However this trip to Paris may prove otherwise...
Meanwhile, Liz is enjoying her frolic in France! While her father is at work with Monsieur Henri Milan (Jean Murat), Liz is being escorted to the best spots in Paris by Andre Milan (Vic Damone);Monsieur Milan's handsome son! With every date, they inevitably fall head over heels in love and want to be married (so long Bob!). Of course her father Jim won't hear of it because it is all too familiar! If that's not enough, Marie has been meeting with Liz and Andre for lunch as she desperately wants to know her daughter. In attempts gain control of the situation, Jim cuts Liz off from seeing either of them. This trip almost turns to disaster but with a little help from Marie, Liz gains a mother, her father's blessing, and her true love Andre.
MGM's Rich,Young, and Pretty is a very sweet, lighthearted musical.It can drag at times, but still thoroughly engaging. Unfortunately, there are no "show-stopping" numbers but great one's nonetheless. My favorites are "How Do Ya Like Your Eggs In The Morning?" (Shown above), "I Can See You", "We Never Talk Much" and their French rendition of "Deep In The Heart Of Texas".
The cast is quite enjoyable; Una Merkel and Wendell Corey truly add the comedic touch. The ever charming Jane Powell shines while Vic Damone swoons 'em all in his first movie role. If you are a Jane Powell and/or a fan of the "Golden Age" musical, give this classic gem a gander.
Captain Henri Duran (Danny Kaye) has just returned home to the French Riviera after breaking records for a non-stop flight. He is one of the most celebrated figures in France; especially by his admiring female fans. Sadly, Henri's roving eye is just as famous as his flying skills. It's a shame considering his wife Lili (Gene Tierney) is an absolute knockout.
Meanwhile, performer/impressionist Jack Martin (also Danny Kaye) performs nightly at the Cote d Azur--The Blue Room. He and his partner Collette (Corienne Calvet) are a moderate success and are hoping for a promotion to the "Terrace Room". However, their manager is bored with their act and wants them fired unless they can come up with something sensational!
What does this aviator and actor have in common? Nothing...except their appearance! When Jack realizes this, he knows that this is his ticket to saving their act from being canned. His impersonation is such a hit, Jack is hired to replace Captain Duran at a prominent reception when he slips away on private business matters. This setup works temporarily then slowly unravels as it create chaos for all parties involved; especially Collette because she is in love with Jack. The real craziness begins when Henri returns home!
Does this plot sound familiar? It should! Although based on a play by Rudolf Lothar and Hans Adler, On The Riviera is basically a French twist on 20th century Fox's That Night In Rio (1943) with Don Ameche, Alice Faye, and Carmen Miranda. Danny flawlessly pulls off playing the dual part as well as giving us his signature silliness in the number "Popo The Puppet". Another great number and personal favorite is "Rhythm Of A New Romance".
For my vintage fashion lovers, it's all about the gowns in this one! My favorite is the mint green, strapless,sweetheart neckline number Collette wears to the reception. The opening sequence is a very quick but beautiful tour with great shots of the French Riviera. If you have not seen this film, I would urge you to give it a gander; especially if you are a Danny Kaye fan. On The Riviera doesn't have many show stopping musical numbers and moves a little slow at times. Nevertheless it is a classic gem that shouldn't be missed!
Roll Film,
Neah B
Jerry Mulligan (Gene Kelly),an ex-GI and aspiring artist, resides in Paris; an artist's paradise of inspiration. However, there is usually more inspiration than money. His friend Adam Cook (Oscar Levant), a struggling concert pianist,lives in the same flat also. Jerry's luck changes when he meets Milo Roberts (Nina Foch); a lovely but lonely heiress who's interested in sponsoring Jerry..er...um Jerry's work. While accompanying Milo to a party, he lays his eyes on Lisa (Leslie Caron); a pretty Parisian sales associate down at the local perfumery. When Milo gets upset about his interest in this young lady,Jerry soon finds out that Milo's sponsorship is about more than money...
Nevertheless, he relentlessly pursues Lisa until she succumbs to his charms. Unfortunately, their blossoming romance is cut short when he finds out that she is engaged to famous French vocalist, and Adam's friend/mentor, Henri Burrell (Gorges Guetary). Just when it doesn't like their love will stand a chance, they find that it is here to stay.
An American In Paris gave Gene Kelly the creative input he had long desired as Vicente Minnelli trusted him with the movie's ending; a 17 minute long ballet! I love this portion of the film; it is like a moving painting and tour of Paris all in one.This film also introduced to us 19- year- old Leslie Caron. Some of Gershwin's greatest tunes are featured in this musical. One of my favorites is Gene's rendition of I Got Rhythm as he teaches the kids some American culture. Another,is the romantic, jazzy,balletic Our Love Is Here To Stay. Other great numbers include, This Time It's Really Love (Tra-La-La-La) and I'll Build A Stairway To Paradise. I will say that although enjoyable, Oscar Levant's imaginary concert kind of slows down the pace of the movie and draws it out a bit.However,this film is an MGM classic and a must see for Gene Kelly fans.
Paris; the city of light, romance, and art. Gill Pender (Owen Wilson) and his fiance Inez (Rachel McAdams) join her parents' on a Parisian holiday. The majestic atmosphere
of the city fills Gill with abounding inspiration for the novel he's writing;which takes place in Paris in the 1920's. He loves it so much, that it fuels his desire to move to Paris after he and Inez are wed. Inez, on the other hand could care less and hopes that he goes back to writing for Hollywood instead. Her support in Gill is halfhearted. In fact she's so caught up in wedding plans and keeping up with her highbrow college friends that she downplays him every chance she gets.
One night, after a wine tasting, Gill forgoes the group's plans to go dancing and ventures off to explore Parisian nightlife. During his midnight stroll, he encounters a shiny vintage model car. Those who were inside, enticed Gill to join them for the ride of his life. He then runs away with his imagination and meets his literary and legendary heroes; F.Scott Fitzgerald, Cole Porter, Josephine Baker, Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso, and even Earnest Hemingway! He even gets his manuscript proofread by Ms.Gertrude Stein! These nightly time warps help him to find true love and happiness with the right woman and finish his novel in the illuminated city of romance.
Although this is a recent film, it is destined to become a classic. Produced and directed by the legendary Woody Allen, this film with such a wonderful story and great cast comes alive in beautiful Paris,France (especially the night scenes). It also discusses a topic that each of us vintage lovers at one point or another deal with; thinking that our favorite past era is better than the one we're currently living in. He learns that each generation, past or future, is always going to think another era is beetter than the present one and that he should embrace his current surrounding while appreciating the days of old. Awesome,awesome film. My sister Meah kept hounding me to see it and now that I have, I sweetly hound you too! Au Revoire!
Bonjour Virtuously Vintage Vixen Readers! Welcome to April in Paris. After my break
in March, I am back with fabulous music, articles, and Retro Reels that will make you say,"Ooh La La La!". This month's Music and Miscellaneous will showcase Blogger/Artist FiFi Flowers, review the Ultra Lounge:Bachelor In Paris album and iconic influences from France. April's Tasty Tips andTreats will include simple,classic French desserts like Creme Brulee and French Chocolate Mousse. I am thrilled about the Retro Reels for this month as I will be sharing some of my favorite movies about Paris. I'll be featuring such classics as Funny Face, An American In Paris, and Gigi.
I'm also proud to introduce the new Classic Beauty of The Month column. April's classic beauty is Leslie Caron. I hope you enjoy your April In Paris. C'est Magnifique!
Amanda Lawrence (Jane Russell), the smart and sassy heiress of The New York Daily Record, is vacationing with her mother in Arizona's La Paz Ranch Resort.When stranded with the resort vehicle, she is rescued by miner Johnathan "Dart"Dartland (Jeff Chandler) and friend, Doctor Hugh Slater(Dan Duryea) who work at the Tyson copper Mine. Both men have their sights set on Amanda but Amanda only sees Johnathan.They fall so deep in love, that they fall into marriage the next day.
Although in love, Jeff is concerned it won't work because he's half Apache Indian. Along with that, Hugh tries to move in on Amanda , Dart's inability to express or receive love and Amanda's inability to understand her man become major roadblocks for them.Despite these trials, Amanda becomes pivotal in her husband's dream in reviving the old Foxfire gold mine.
Love, Love, Love this movie! For one, I Love Jane Russell! She holds her own during this film and looks fabulous doing it. Every outfit simple, yet sexy. Jeff Chandler,who plays Dart,wrote the lyrics and sang the movie's theme!The story itself is also very engaging from beginning to end. Though their romance started off as a superficial one,it grows deeper. Amanda learns to understand Dart as Dart learns to open up and really love , despite his cultural upbringing(the scene with Amanda and his mother is a very deep and important one). This diamond in the rough is very hard to find on DVD, so check it out on Netflix!
Roll Film,
Neah B
Susan and Lorenzo "Larry" Vega (Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz) have been happily married for 5 five year. However between Larry's increasing work creating insecticide #383 at his chemical company and Susan's rich busybody cousin Mille, they begin to drift apart.
Larry gets the opportunity to do a field mission with the new chemical and wants to take Susan along hoping it will create a new spark in their marriage. But susan doesn't want to leave her lifestyle or cousin behind. This causes a major blowout for the Vegas.
Soon after, Susan is encountered by her guardian angel who looks exactly like James Mason (and is played by James Mason). She is the only one who can see him and thus makes her feel like she's nuts. After her initial disbelief wanes, she is able to recieve him and his instructions on how to save her marriage. Now that Susan is willing to try, she agrees to go on the trip with her husband and support him. There are many comedicand difficult blunders during this camping trip that test their marriage even further. Her guardian angel didn't mention anything about it being easy, but it sure proved to be a success in the end.
If you are a Lucy and Desi fan, be sure to add this to your collection. Forever Darling does not top
The Long Long Trailer(1953), but it is just as enjoyable.You enjoy seeing future TV stars Natalie Schafer (Gilligans Island) and Nancy Kulp (Beverly Hillbillies). I also loved that Desi had some good comeback lines in this one.
EX: Millie: "I could just die!"
Larry: "That's funny! You keep saying that, but you never get around to doing it!"
My only complaint is that they spent too much time on Lucy's fear of the angel, but I loved James Mason's speech on marriage and what she must do to save it.
Due to Hugh's(Macdonald Carey) obsession with gambling, and Miriam's (Claudette Colbert) impatience for it, the Halsworths are divorced. Until Miriam adapts to single life, their daughter Barbara (Barbara Bates), son-in-law Jerry (a very young Robert Wagner), and granddaughter Annabelle are residing with her.
Still a young couple, Jerry feels it best for him, Barbara, and Annabelle to move into their own place and establish the Denham family.Unfortunately, Barbara won't hear of it because she feels mother needs their "moral support".She also believes that her parents still have a chance at their marriage. However Hugh and Miriam have high doubts about that idea.
Jerry is not only Hugh's son-in-law but his assistant as Head of Publicity at the Hotel Mirimar. The following day at work, Hugh introduces Jerry to international financial expert (and most eligible bachelor) Victor McFarland (Zachery Scott). Mr. McFarland is also an old friend (and rival). He and Hugh were both in love with Miriam, but the lucky man to wed her ended up being Hugh. When Victor hears about their divorce, he feels he has another shot at claiming Miriam. With Victor in picture, Jerry sees his dream home closer in view. But in Hugh's view, his wife gets farther away.
With that, the race is on to make it legal.
This rare 20th Century Fox fast-paced comedy is thoroughly enjoyable. It features some very clever one-liners, and a cameo of a barely known Marilyn Monroe. I enjoyed Hugh's subtle persistence on getting his wife back amid all the craziness coming his way. I also thought that the ending,involving loaded dice, was a very clever and sweet way too end the movie. Watch this classic instantly on Netflix.
Due to dating his work and his mother-in-law's snide comments, Phillip Gayley (Errol Flynn) and his wife Ellen (Eleanor Parker) have been divorced for 1 year. As all divorces do, their separation has affected their 7- year- old daughter Phillippa,a.k.a "Flip"(Patti Brady).Although bright and mature beyond her years, flip-flopping between her parents every 6 months is not her idea of recess. In the meantime, she takes comfort in her acting with her father and being a pen pal to a Marine named Fenwick (Forrest Tucker).
On the 1st anniversary of their divorce, and bi-annual trade of Flip, Phillip decides to ask Ellen out to dinner (as they are both still wildly in love).Their date goes beautifully until run into his latest "muse" Nancy Graham (Peggy Knudsen).After that disaster, Ellen feels that reconciliation with Phillip may be to good to be true. Unfortunately that date is only one of many roadblocks of them getting back together.Ellen's mother attempts to hook her up with Rex; the attorney who filed their divorce! Nancy is still trying to win the title of "Mrs.Gayley". The real mayhem begins when Fenwick, Flip's Marine, comes to visit.This would be great if he knew who wrote those letters of longing, but he assumes that it's Ellen and is highly smitten with her! Using this as an opportunity to make her husband jealous,she is successful. This triumph is only short lived and causes Phil to give up. Now it's up to Flip (with the help of a few friends) to reunite her parents.
There are many reason's to enjoy this sweet love story.The storyline isn't a masterpiece,but definitely enjoyable (If you can't tell, I'm a sucker for marriage/relationship reconciliation stories). I think what makes it for me, is the cast. Errol Flynn,usually cast as a hero in many other films, shows his natural knack for comedy in the "Santa Clause" and "Tough Guy/ Humphrey Bogart" scene. (According to IMDb,the voice over was actually done by Humphrey Bogart!) I enjoyed his scenes with Eleanor Parker but loved the scenes with him and Patti "Flip" Brady.They play off of each other so well, especially during the "Luncheon scene" at Luigi's. Supporting cast does an awesome job including Hattie McDaniel (Cozy)and the ever lovable S.Z "Cuddles" Sakall as Luigi. Hope you enjoy this Warner Brothers classic.
Posts
.jpg)
